Sealing device for an impulse tool



Aug. 31, 1965 H. o. WARD 3,203,203

SEALING DEVICE FOR AN IMPULSE TOOL Original Filed Dec. 12, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR HOWARD 0. WARD ORNE Aug. 31, 1965 H. o. WARD SEALING DEVICE FOR AN IMPULSE TOOL Original Filed Dec. 12, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR HOWARD 0. WARD ATTORNEY FIG. 2

United States Patent 3,203,203 SEALING DEVICE FOR AN IMPULSE TGUL Howard 0. Ward, Candor, N.Y., assignor to Ingersoll- Rand Company, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New Jersey Original application Dec. 12, 1962, Ser. No. 244,151. Divided and this application May 5, 1964, Ser. No. 377,787

8 Claims. (Cl. 64-46) This application is a divisional application of US. Patent application Serial No. 244,151 filed December 12, 1962, by D. K. Skoog, et al.

The present invention relates to impulse tools of the type disclosed in US. Patent No. 3,116,617 issued January 7, 1964, to D. K. Skoog for Fluid Impulse Torque Tool, and more particularly to an improved impulse tool of this type.

Heretofore, conventional portable, power operated tools for driving nuts, bolts and screws or for applying a torque to other objects have been of the stall, clutch and impact type. While the stall type and clutch type tools give satisfactory torque control in most applications, these types are larger and hence heavier than the impact type tool. Further the stall type and clutch type tools are slower in operation than the impact type tool. In addition the stall type and clutch type tools provide an undesirable torque reaction to the operator, which torque reaction is not present in a tool of the impact type.

In the impact type of tool the kinetic energy of the rotary hammer (of large mass) is transferred to the spindle (of relatively lower mass) by a collision between the jaws of the hammer and the spindle. These conventional impact tools have several limitations. :First the rigid jaws of the hammer and the similar jaws of the spindle are relatively light in order to satisfy the demand of the fabricating industries for a light portable tool. However the forces between the jaws of the hammer and the jaws of the spindle are very high during the time of impact therebetween, with resultant breakage or failure of such jaws and a shorter service life than in other conventional power tools, such as those of the stall or clutch types. Secondly, with these convential impact tools it is very difiicult to control or limit the final torque on a threaded fastener to a final predetermined value within satisfactory limits of accuracy. Further the impact tools are diflicult to manufacture because of their complicated structure and are rather noisy in their operation.

It is the general object of the present invention to avoid and overcome the foregoing and other difliculties of and objections to prior art practices by the provision of an improved tool of the impulse type which tool has all of the advantages of the stall type, clutch type and impact type tool-s and nOne of the disadvantages thereof.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of an impulse type tool which operates in a fluid at low force levels with resultant minimum wear and attendant longer service life than conventional impact tools.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of an impulse tool which is operable to control the final torque on a threaded fastener accurately and precise y within predetermined limits.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of an impulse tool which, because of the simplicity of its structure, is easy to manufacture.

Yet another object of the present invention is the provision of an impulse tool which provides relatively quiet operation as compared to an impact tool.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of an improved tool of the impulse type, the major elements of which tool act to seal dynamically or at high velocity and function as a valve statically or at low velocity.

3,2032% Patented Aug. 31, 1965 "ice A still further object of the present invention is the provision of :an impulse tool which is lighter in weight and faster in operation than the tools of the stall type and clutch type.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a tool operable as a source of impulses, which impulses can be utilized to drive a conventional reciprocating tool, such 1211s a hammer, or a conventional rotary tool, such as a dri A further object of the present invention is the provision of an impulse tool which is operable to apply a torque or a series of impulses at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the impulse tool.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved dynamic sealing device for an impulse tool, which scaling device eliminates sliding parts and coiled springs, thus providing a simplified construction.

:For a better understanding of the present invention reference should be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the improved tool of the impulse type, shown in engagement with a threaded fastener and with a stationary casing means shown in vertical section;

FIGS. 2 and 3 are diagrammatic plan views illustrating the operation of the improved sealing device.

The aforesaid objects of the present invention and other objects which will become apparent as the description proceeds are achieved by providing an impulse tool for applying a predetermined torque to an object. This impulse tool comprises housing means adapted to contain a fluid, a spindle means rotatable in the housing means and in the fluid and adapted to engage the object, and drive means connected to the housing means for rotating the housing means with respect to the object and the spindle means. The sealing device has sealing means on the spindle means, resilient sealing means on the housing means, and a sealing portion on the housing means. The sealing device is disposed in sealing relation during a relatively small portion of each revolution of the housing means.

The sealing device is operable during this portion of each revolution of the housing means to dynamically seal oif a portion of said fluid so that the pressure in the portion of the fluid and on the spindle means increases, thus causing the spindle means to rotate with respect to the housing means and to apply a torque to the object. Alternatively the spindle means is connected to the drive means and the housing means is adapted to engage the object.

The sealing means of the present invention is connected to the housing means and is operable during a portion of each revolution of the housing means to engage the spindle means and to dynamically seal oil a portion of the fluid.

While the impulse tool of the present invention may be advantageously employed for applying a torque to objects and as a source of fluid impulses in general, the impulse tool of the present invention is particularly adapted for use in conjunction with applying a torque to a threaded fastener and as a source of fluid impulses for driving a conventional tool and hence it has been so illustrated and will be so described.

With specific reference to the form of the present invention illustrated in the drawings, and referring particularly to FIG. 1, the impulse tool of the present invention for applying a torque to an object, such as the nut N, through a socket 25 is indicated generally by the reference letter T.

As shown in FIG. 1 this impulse tool T has a housing means A, provided with a cavity 2a, FIG. 2 adapted to contain a fluid, such as oil F and driven by drive means, such as the motor D,,.

In FIGS. 2 and 3 a resilient sealing means is connected to the housing means A,,, the resilient sealing means being operable during a portion of each revolution of the housing means A (FIG-S. 1-3) to engage the spindle means B (FIGS. 1 to 3) and to dynamically seal oif a portion of the oil P so that the pressure in the sealed off portion of the oil F and on the spindle means l3 increases thereby causing the spindle means B to rotate with respect to the housing means A and to apply a torque to the threaded fastener N (FIG. 1).

The spindle 15a (FIGS. 2, 3) has a spindle shaft 16a (FIG. 1) and comprises two spindle blades 26a and 26b. The cooperating resilient sealing means or sealing device has a flexible band ltltl (suitably spring steel or a plastic, such as nylon) secured by rivets 162 to the housing means A,,. Counterweights 1104 provide mass to the flexible band 100.

When the housing means A is not rotating or is rotating at slow speeds, the flexible band tilt) is in the position shown in FIG. 2.

When the housing means A rotates at high speeds, centrifugal force causes the flexible band 100 to assume the position shown in FIG. 3 thus providing a dynamic seal for the spindle blades 26a and 26b and permitting the transmission of an impulse to the spindle 15a.

In this embodiment the sealing means are the blades 26a, 26b. A sealing portion, a land 101 on the housing means A cooperates with the blades 26a, 26b. As shown in FIG. 3 the land 1411, blades 26a, 26b and the flexible land 100 divide the cavity 2a into a high pressure portion HP and low pressure portion LP.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the above described alternative embodiment (FIGS. 2, 3) may be employed with the followin already described embodiments of the Impulse Tool (FIGS. 1-12) of the above-mentioned US. Patent No. 3,116,617, namely:

The embodiment (FIGS. 1-12) where the housing means is rotated by the drive means.

It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that the objects of the present invention have been achieved by the provision of an impulse tool which applies a force, namely oil pressure, on the spindle blade and spindle for a short time (namely during the dynamic sealing portion of the operating cycle of the impulse tool) thus providing operation in a fiuid at low force levels with resultant minimum wear and attendant longer service life than conventional impact tools.

The impulse tool of the present invention is operable to control the final torque on a threaded fastener accurately and precisely within predetermined practical limits. Further, because of the simplicity of its structure, the impulse tool is easy and economical to manufacture. In addition, the impulse tool provides relatively quiet operation as compared With conventional impact tools. The impulse tool acts as a seal dynamically and as a valve statically; has all of the advantages of the stall type, clutch type and impact type tools and none of the disadvantages thereof; is lighter in weight and faster in operation than the tools of the stall type and clutch type. The present invention also contemplates the use of the impulse tool as a source of fiuid impulses, which impulses can be utilized to drive a conventional reciprocating tool, such as a hammer, or a conventional rotary tool, such as a drill. The impulse tool is operable to apply a torque or a series of impulses at any desired angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the impulse tool.

This invention also provides an improved dynamic sealing device which eliminates sliding parts and coiled springs thus providing a simplified construction.

While in accordance with the patent statutes one best known embodiment of and alternative embodiments of the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail, it is to be particularly understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.

I claim:

1. An impulse tool for applying a torque to an object, said impulse comprising:

(a) housing means provided with a cavity for sealingly containing a fluid,

(b) spindle means in said cavity and in said fluid and adapted to enage said object,

(c) drive means connected to said housing means for rotating said housing means with respect to said object and said spindle means,

((1) sealing means on said spindle means,

(e) a sealing portion on said housing means,

(f) resilient sealing means comprising a flexible band and connected to said housing means,

(g) said sealing portion, said resilient sealing means and said sealing means being disposed in sealing relation during a relatively small portion of each revolution of said housing means,

(h) said sealing portion and said resilient sealing means and said sealing means being operable during said relatively small portion of each revolution of said housing means to dynamically seal otlf a portion of said fluid in said cavity into a high pressure portion so that the pressure in said high pressure portion of the fluid and on said spindle means increase thereby causing said spindle means to rotate with respect to said housing means and to apply a torque to said object.

2. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 having counterweight means in said resilient sealing means.

3. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein said sealing portion comprises a land.

4. The impulse tool recited in claim 1 wherein said sealing means comprises a blade.

5. For an impulse tool for applying a torque to an objeet, and having housing means provided with a cavity for sealingly containing a fluid, spindle means in said cavity and in said fiuid and adapted to engage said object, drive means connected to said housing means for rotating said housing means with respect to said object and said spindle means, a sealing device having:

(a) sealing means on said spindle means,

(b) a sealing portion on said housing means,

(c) resilient sealing means comprising a flexible band and connected to said housing means,

(d) said sealing means, said sealing portion and said resilient sealing means being disposed in sealing relation during a relatively small portion of each revolution of said housing means,

(e) said sealing means, said sealing portion and said resilient sealing means being operable during said relatively small portion of each revolution of said housing means to dynamically seal oil a portion of said fluid in said cavity into a high pressure portion so that the pressure in said high pressure portion of the fluid and on said spindle means increases thereby causing said spindle means to rotate with respect to said housing means and to apply a torque to said object.

6. The sealing device recited in claim 5 wherein said sealing means is a blade.

7. The sealing device recited in claim 5 wherein said sealing portion is a land.

8-. The sealing device recited in claim 5 wherein said resilient sealing means is provided with counterweight means.

References tilted by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,127,758 2/ 15 Hansen-Ellenhammer 19258 2,564,212 8/51 Ramsey 192-58 3,116,617 1/64 Skoog 64-26 BROUGHTON G. DURHAM, Primary Examiner. FRANK SUSKO, Examiner. 

1. AN IMPULSE TOOL FOR APPLYING A TORQUE ON AN OBJECT, SAID IMPULSE COMPRISING: (A) HOUSING MEANS PROVIDED WITH A CAVITY FOR SEALINGLY CONTAINING A FLUID, (B) SPINDLE MEANS IN SAID CAVITY AND IN SIAD FLUID AND ADAPTED TO ENAGE SAID OBJECT, (C) DRIVE MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID HOUSING MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID HOUSING MEANS WITH RESPECT TO SAID OBJECT AND SAID SPINDLE MEANS, (D) SEALING MEANS ON SAID SPINDLE MEANS, (E) A SEALING PORTION ON SAID HOUSING MEANS, (F) RESILIENT SEALING MEANS COMPRISING A FLEXIBLE BAND AND CONNECTED TO SAID HOUSING MEANS, (G) SAID SEALING PORTION, SAID RESILIENT SEALING MEANS AND SAID SEALING MEANS BEING DISPOSED IN SEALING RELATION DURING A RELATIVELY SMALL PORTION OF EACH REVOLUTION OF SAID HOUSING MEANS, (H) SAID SEALING PORTION AND SAID RESILIENT SEALING MEANS AND SAID SEALING MEANS BEING OPERABLE DURING SAID RELATIVELY SMALL PORTION OF EACH REVOLUTION OF SAID HOUSING MEANS TO DYNAMICALLY SEAL OFF A PORTION OF SAID FLUID IN SAID CAVITY INTO A HIGH PRESSURE PORTION SO THAT THE PRESSURE IN SAID HIGH PRESSURE PORTION OF THE FLUDI AND ON SAID SPINDLE MEANS INCREASE THEREBUY CAUSING SAID SPINDLE MEANS TO ROTATE WITH RESPECT TO SAID HOUSING MEANS AND TO APPLY A TORQUE TO SAID OBJECT. 